Philip Wong (82) was born to Shoo Hoo Shee Wong and Hok Wong on July 15, 1941. He was the youngest of five children. He was born in Fresno, California, but moved to Madera at a young age.

His brother, Willie, started The Village Restaurant in 1951, and while in high school, he worked alongside him and his other brother, Jimmy. He graduated from Madera High in 1959 and then went to Fresno City College. That is where he would meet his future wife, Lauren. They were married on January 10, 1967, in Las Vegas, and their journey began. This journey would include the birth of their two sons and five grandchildren.

The Village Restaurant was a part of Madera, and his knowledge of Madera is something he talks about with people. Working with his brothers, wife, and later sons, the Village was a family-run business. For over 50 years, they cooked Chinese food for the people of Madera but were also known for their Open Face Steak Sandwich. The restaurant would close every July, and a trip to Las Vegas was in order. Driving around Vegas with his brothers, trying different places to eat, or just looking at what was new was something to look forward to. When his brothers passed, he took over the management of the restaurant. In 2007, the doors to the Village closed, and it was time to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and friends. Known as Uncle Phil to his friends, he would hang out with them or talk on the phone with them. He would go for lunch or drive around with them. Later, he would take his grandkids around to show him where he grew up. Spending time watching the TV with the grandkids became a nightly tradition. They would shout out answers to questions or root for their teams.

He was preceded in death by parents Hok and Soo Hoo Shee Wong, brothers Ralph, Willie (Darlene), and Jimmy, and sister Betty Woo.

He is survived by his wife Lauren; sons Toby(Karen) and Jason(Renee); five grandchildren, Kai, Aristian, Chase, Lejand, and Shannon; nieces Lisa Naney(Steve) and Lana Twitty(Rhys); and nephew Lance Woo(CeCe). Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Carolyn Rivett(Jim), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.